South Africa Under-23s recovered from a half-time deficit to defeat Algeria 3-1 in an international friendly at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Algeria led through Yanis Senhadji’s first-half goal, but South Africa transformed the match after the interval. Second-half substitutes Quwan Plaatjies, Nhlanhla Gasa and Faiz Abrahams scored to complete the comeback.
The teams will meet again on Sunday as coach Raymond Mdaka continues preparations for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Mdaka selected a starting line-up containing several players with PSL experience, including captain Neo Rapoo, Camren Dansin, Mfundo Vilakazi, Kutlwano Latlhaku, Mpho Padime and Siviwe Magidigidi.
The hosts created most of the significant opportunities before the break, with Latlhaku, Padime, Vilakazi and Magidigidi all unable to convert their chances.
South Africa came close to taking the lead after 23 minutes when Magidigidi released Vilakazi with a pass that split the Algerian defence. However, Algeria goalkeeper Mohamed-Aness Mokhtar stood firm to deny the forward.
Algeria then struck in the 45th minute. South Africa’s defence was caught watching the ball, allowing Senhadji to apply the decisive final touch and leave Fletcher Smythe-Lowe with no chance.
Mdaka responded at half-time by sending on Plaatjies and Gasa for Latlhaku and Magidigidi. The changes had an immediate effect, with the substitutes helping to drive South Africa’s revival.
Plaatjies levelled in the 49th minute on his debut after combining with Gasa. He had recently made history by becoming the first PSL player to score a hat-trick on debut for Stellenbosch FC.
Five minutes later, Gasa completed the turnaround. He found space unmarked inside the penalty area and finished after Algeria struggled to contain South Africa’s pace in attack.
Mdaka made further changes after the hour mark, introducing Gabriel Amato, Asekho Tiwani, Bohlale Ngwato, Faiz Abrahams and Simphiwe Selepe.
Dansin, Rapoo, Vilakazi, Padime and Dhakier Lee made way, while Algeria coach Saifi Rafik also altered his side as his team attempted to get back into the match.
The substitutions did not disrupt South Africa’s momentum. Their third goal arrived after 73 minutes, with another player introduced from the bench making the difference.
Following another South African attacking move, Abrahams beat Mokhtar with a low effort from outside the penalty area to secure the 3-1 victory.
